Did you know that between the 9 and 15 May it is Mental Health Awareness Week?
The week, hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, is an annual event which offers an opportunity for the whole of the UK to focus on achieving good mental health.
This theme of this year’s campaign is loneliness and raising awareness of the impact it has on our mental wellbeing.
And in Wolverhampton, we want to focus on how appreciating each other can help improve loneliness and help children and young people achieve better mental health by showing appreciation for those around them.
During the week, HeadStart Wolverhampton will be sharing ways of how we can appreciate each other on #YES Appreciation Day, which will take place on 11 May.
#YES Appreciation Day, which first took place in 2021, is a fantastic opportunity for children, young people, families, schools, community groups and professionals to get involved and share their ideas on how we can appreciate each other – especially our peers.
Getting involved is easy. We want everybody to get creative by showing their appreciation in any way they want. This could be through video, photos, drawings, paintings or through any other creative means.
As well as raising awareness of loneliness and how we can better appreciate each other, we want to feature as much creative work as possible on HeadStart Wolverhampton’s social media pages - @HeadStartFM on Facebook and Twitter - on #YES Appreciation Day itself. All you need to do is send your submissions to #yes@wolverhampton.gov.uk by Friday 6 May.
You can also get involved on the day by sharing appreciation posts on social media using the hashtag #YESAppreciationDay.
The national Make your Mark campaign, the largest youth consultation across the country, was combined with Youth MP elections for the first time, streamlining the way in which young people’s voices are heard. Both campaigns took place during February across many of the city’s secondary schools.
Nationally, 434,492 votes were cast nationally in the Make your Mark ballot, equating to a 7.06% turnout. Wolverhampton was top of the table in the West Midlands, with 10,146 votes cast, resulting in a 39.31% turnout, placing the city fourth for turnout nationally.
Young people voted for the issues that matter most to them, which will be debated by Youth MPs. Education and Learning was top of the agenda for youngsters in Wolverhampton with Jobs, Money, Homes and Opportunities the second most important topic. View the full results.
The Youth MP campaign in Wolverhampton was equally successful, with 30 young people putting themselves forward to stand as a Youth MP in the city.
Over 10,000 votes were cast across secondary schools and the winning candidates were announced at a Declaration Event at the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Civic Centre last week.
The two young people who were successful and will now become Youth MP’s for Wolverhampton were Gregory MacDonald and Lshae Green; they will represent the city’s young people and debate the issues that matter most to them at the Youth Parliament. Coppice High School also were congratulated for achieving the highest percentage turnout for votes within their school.
Emma Bennett, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Executive Director of Families, said: “The Make Your Mark and Youth MP ballots are both incredibly important initiatives for our young people to take part in as it gives them the chance to contribute their views on the issues that affect their everyday lives.
“We are delighted with the interest shown by our city’s young people in both campaigns, demonstrating their enthusiasm and commitment to stand up for what they believe in, make their voices heard and improve the lives of others.
“A huge congratulations to both Gregory and Lshae for being elected as Youth MPs and good luck to them both in what’s set to be a very exciting role. We will be working closely with them both as they champion our young people’s voices and help to shape future services across the city.”
“Thank you also to all of the students and staff in schools across the city for running both campaigns and especially for helping Wolverhampton achieve such a high turnout.”
A record number of young people have joined the City of Wolverhampton Youth Council this year. The 52 successful candidates – who attend schools across the city – were officially announced at a special event in the Council Chamber on Monday night (7 November, 2022).
Left to right, Mark Taylor, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Deputy Chief Executive, new Youth MPs Lshae Green and Gregory MacDonald, and Emma Bennett, Executive Director of Families.
Left to right, Emma Bennett, Executive Director of Families, Coppice High School representatives, Andrew Wolverson, Head of Service, Childrens strategy and partnership
Left to right, #YES Board Members, Tia, Janis, Wiktoria, Mark Taylor, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Deputy Chief Executive, Emma Bennett, Executive Director of Families, Andrew Wolverson, Head of Service for childrens strategy and partnership .
Youth MP Declaration Event at City of Wolverhampton Council Chambers
Schools, community groups and individuals in Wolverhampton are taking part in this year’s Anti-Bullying Week, which runs from Monday 14 November to Friday 18 November, 2022.
Anti-Bullying Week 2022 is coordinated in England and Wales by the Anti-Bullying Alliance and this year’s theme is Reach Out.
The week will kick off with Odd Socks Day on Monday 14th November, where adults and children wear odd socks to help raise awareness of bullying.
Odd Socks Day is designed to be fun! It’s an opportunity to encourage people to express themselves and celebrate their individuality and what makes us all unique!
The week will also offer the opportunity to recognise schools in the city which have achieved Anti-Bullying Charter Status. In a ceremony that will take place at Wolverhampton Art Gallery on Thursday 17 November, schools in Wolverhampton will be awarded #YES Anti-Bullying Charter Status.
The awards will be presented by the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Sandra Samuels OBE, to schools and youth organisations who demonstrate their commitment to preventing and dealing with bullying among young people.
It takes courage, but it can change lives. So, this Anti-Bullying Week, let’s come together and reach out to stop bullying.
What HY5 say about bullying
People need educating from an early age about disability. People should be educated to challenge behaviour.
‘I’ve had to build up a resilience to bullying’.
‘I often think, will bullying be a theme throughout my life’
‘I was bullied, why are we all in the same boat?’
‘Some of the kids in school would try and tip me up in my wheelchair for a bit of fun. They should be tackled and there should be a consequence’
‘I was bullied by someone in school who they made an antibullying ambassador, I thought, should they really have that position?! Is it just for street cred?’ Not that they were really passionate about stopping it’
’People are so quick and easy to presume things, its already a struggle, don’t knock us down even more’
‘School didn’t do anything, I felt like I was being a burden’
‘When I go into a new environment, I become more self-conscious and feel like I have to keep things hidden, like I can’t be myself, its toxic’
‘Why bother teaching people about it you’re not going to do anything about it?’
‘We don’t want sympathy; people just need educating. It shouldn’t be a reaction; it should be prevention is the norm.’
‘Learning more about disability should be part of PHSE, so it can be tackled from both sides. It should be more – why’
‘I’m quite tough but when bullying is over and over you start believing it.’
‘I have learnt to be resilient; people need to learn to understand.’
Join thousands of schools, offices and communities on Friday, 8 October by taking part in #HelloYellow. Dig out your neon socks, custard scarf and banana hat - let's show young people they're not alone with their mental health!
We all struggle with how we're feeling sometimes and it's normal to have ups and downs. This year might have felt a little more down than up. But it's the little things that have got us through it - the morning walks, singing in the shower, that Netflix show that got us all buzzing, the bestie who makes you LOL, the teacher who has your back.
Saying #HelloYellow this World Mental Health Day is a little thing we can do to make a BIG difference to young people's mental health. Because a little yellow goes a long way. All the resources to use on the day are available on youngminds.org.uk
We would like you to take as many pictures of you, your staff and young people wearing something yellow to share with us on Friday 8th October. Can you please send your pictures to sarah.jenkinson@wolverhampton.gov.uk
We also encourage you to do one thing and add your voice as part of World Mental Health Day. Here we share some thoughts from our local people to raise awareness of mental health.
Gazebo theatre are also holding workshops during October around mental health issues such as coping with anxiety, isolation, coping mechanisms and a loss of motivation. Find them at Gazebo Theatre | Facebook
**If you are sending pictures of young people please can ensure you have consent to share these pictures with us on social media/websites from parents
The City of Wolverhampton Council, as part of its Youth Engagement Strategy (#YES), is launching its new ‘By Your Side’ campaign to mark this year’s World Mental Health Day.
Aimed at easing the impact of loneliness, the campaign has been developed to support people across the city and raise awareness of services that are available to combat isolation – in particular for younger people who may be feeling lonely.
If you are a child or young person who feels lonely – perhaps due to the coronavirus pandemic or you have experienced loneliness for a prolonged amount of time – you can get help and support from the following services:
City of Wolverhampton Council
This is a difficult and challenging time for children, young people and families. City of Wolverhampton Council have created a collection of resources to support children, young people and families to stay safe and well throughout lockdown.
Wolverhampton Information, Advice and Support Service (IASS)
The Information, Advice and Support Service (IASS) offers free and confidential advice to children and young people (0-25) who have or may have special educational needs and/or a disability. You can contact us in a number of ways:
You can join us online to answer questions at a special session for young people on 26th November. You don't have to appear on screen if you prefer not to.
Base 25
Counselling is a type of talking therapy that allows a person to talk about their problems and feelings in a confidential and dependable environment. A counsellor is trained to listen with empathy (by putting themselves in your shoes). They can help you deal with any negative thoughts and feelings you have. The counselling service delivered from Base 25 is free to access for Wolverhampton residents of all ages and referrals can be made using the referral form below.
We Offer 1-2-1sessions
Downloads:
Wolverhampton Participation Team
Calling all Young People Across the City… Are you aged 11 – 25? Do you want to do something fun and constructive in your spare time? Are you passionate about being a voice for Wolverhampton? Then why not join one of our Youth boards or Youth forums to have your say about how you want our City to be run.
Some of our Activities: Virtual Meetings Innovative Projects Training Fun Activities
Benefits to you: Gaining new skills, knowledge and experiences, Having Fun, being a voice of young people, Representing your school/youth group/college, Gaining accreditation, Training, Meeting other young people.
If you would like to join or be part of any these groups then please contact the Participation Team: Andrew.scragg@wolverhampton.gov.uk, Shaqille.Spence@wolverhampton.gov.uk, Alison.Baggs@wolverhampton.gov.uk or Anton.Wright@wolverhampton.gov.uk for further information
The Way Youth Zone
A youth-led, state of the art space for young people aged 8-19 (up to 25 with a disability) located centrally in the vibrant and diverse city of Wolverhampton. Open 7 days a week, The Way provides a huge variety of activities for young people across The City to get involved in! Please see attached links to different activities The Way are putting on.
Downloads
Gazebo
See, Hear, Respond programme in partnership with Barnardo’s offers access to remotely delivered advice and guidance, signposting, counselling and other therapeutic and creative support. This is all totally free and support can be accessed via a telephone call or online referral from child, parent/carer or professional. To access this provision You can call 0800 157 7015 to make a referral from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday, and 10am – 6pm at weekends, or go to barnardos.org.uk/see-hear-respond to use our secure referral form.
Gazebo Mindful Support, which includes a helpline and email address for people to contact Gazebo for help, advice and guidance, including free digital support, mentoring, counselling and befriending. This is open to everybody in Wolverhampton. If you would like to access this support the phone number is 07393018271 and email address is mindfulsupport@gazebotheatre.com
For further information on the wellbeing programmes Gazebo are doing please follow us or contact us via:
